GAYS IN COMICSA History of the GAYS IN COMICS Panels at the San Diego Comic-Con International!

GAYS IN COMICS PANELSLook below for a history of the incredible legacy of the Gays In Comics panels, and the PRISM Comics panels that were birthed from them!

All 24 Gays In Comics panels have been moderated by writer/editor Andy Mangels.

The added Out In Comics/Prism panels since 2002 have been moderated by a number of talented people including Charles "Zan" Christensen, Chance Whitmire, Justin Hall, Roger Klorese, Patty Jeres, Terrance Griep, Joan Hilty, and Denise Sudell.

Note: All credits below reflect projects from that time period.

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2011  YEAR 24

Gays in Comics: Year 24!

Saturday, July 23  5:30-7:00  Room 6A

This all-star panel examines the rising diversity in the comics world today as the long-running "Gays in Comics" panel continues into its third decade at Comic-Con! As mainstream companies DC and Marvel are continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar, and hire top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Welcome a top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come!

Joining founding moderator Andy Mangels, the USA Today best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor, as well as numerous comic books, are: Robert Kirkman, writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible and head of Image Comics' Skybound imprint; Chip Kidd, award-winning author, editor and designer of books such as Bat-Manga, Rough Justice, and Jack Cole and Plastic Man; Dan Parent, writer and artist for Archie and Betty & Veronica, and creator of Archie's new gay character and series, Kevin Keller; Jon Macy, writer and artist of 2010 Lambda Literary Award-winning Teleny and Camille and Prism Queer Press grant recipient for Fearful Hunter; Paul Cornell, writer for TV's Doctor Who and DC Comics' upcoming Stormwatch and Demon Knights series; Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulks and co-writer of Alpha Flight and Herc; plus, a special video appearance by J.H. Williams III, co-writer and artist of DC's Batwoman series!

Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction

Saturday, July 23  7:00-8:00  Room 6A

Hosted by and benefiting PRISM Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers. Mingle with comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items, including original art by Alex Ross, J.H. Williams III, and Dan Parent!

LGBT fans hailed the revelation in the long-running television hit that one of its main characters, Willow, had fallen in love with another female character, Tara. This groundbreaking depiction of queer love in the TV show has been built upon in the Buffy comic books published by Dark Horse Comics, and Buffy remains one of the most queer-friendly properties in pop culture. Moderator Charles "Zan" Christensen (Prism Comics president) discusses the special relationship between the Buffyverse and LGBT comic book fans with Buffy creators and actors, including Scott Allie, Andrew Chambliss, Jane Espenson, Drew Greenberg, Tom Lenk, and a special guest!

LGBTX: The X-Men's Queer Characters, Themes, and Fans

Thursday, July 21  6:00-7:00  Room 32AB

The X-Men and their universe have always been popular with LGBT comics fans. The idea of mutants is seen as an allegory for the reality of difference and persecution, as well as community and power, experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The X-Men have also included compelling queer characters in their roster, including the first gay superhero, Northstar. How have these themes and characters been handled? What are the plans for the future? Moderator Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) tries to make sense of it all with panelists Peter David (X-Factor), Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men), Chuck Kim (Age of X), Marjorie Liu (Daken: Dark Wolverine), Scott Lobdell (Uncanny X-Men), and Zack Stentz (X-Men First Class).

Publishing Queer: Producing LGBT Comics and Graphic Novels

Friday, July 22  1:00-2:00  Room 9

Queer-themed comics, once solely the domain of the gay press, are breaking into the mainstream. What are the challenges and rewards of producing this work and getting it in front of an audience hungry for the material? How can it be marketed and publicized, both to an LGBT readership and beyond? Should queer cartoonists self-publish or look to established publishers? Moderator Justin Hall (Glamazonia, Prism Comics Talent Chair) leads a spirited conversation with a diverse panel of publishing pros: Brian Andersen (self-publisher, So Super Duper), Charles "Zan" Christensen (publisher, Northwest Press), Jacquelene Cohen (publicist, Fantagraphics), Shannon O'Leary (comics editor and journalist), Bob Schreck (editor-in-chief, Legendary Pictures), and Tony Valenzuela (executive director, Lambda Literary Foundation).

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2010  YEAR 23

Gays in Comics: Year 23!

Saturday, July 24  5:45-7:15  Room 6A

This all-star panel examines the rising diversity in the comics world today as the long-running "Gays in Comics" panel continues into its third decade at Comic-Con! As mainstream companies DC and Marvel are continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar, and hire top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Welcome a top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come!

• Tim Fish, creator of Cavalcade of Boys, and writer-artist for X-Men: Nation X, and Iron Man: Designed Intelligence!

Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction

Saturday, July 24  7:15-8:15  Room 6A

Hosted by PRISM Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers. Mingle with comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items!

Creating genuine and well-rounded LGBT characters is a challenge for writers, as they must give voice to a population whose stories have been kept hidden for so long. How do writers, both queer and straight, as well as mainstream and independent, create narratives that reflect the diversity and humanity of LGBT individuals, as well as the obstacles they face? Moderator Justin Hall (Glamazonia, Prism Comics' talent chair) leads a spirited conversation with some of the best writers working in comics today: Paige Braddock (Jane's World), Howard Cruse (Stuck Rubber Baby), Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), and Judd Winick (Pedro and Me).

Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization promoting LGBT comics, creators, and fans, started an annual Queer Press Grant in 2005 to help queer cartoonists self-publish their comics. Five years and many thousands of dollars later, the QPG has helped out an impressive lineup of some of the best upcoming LGBT cartoonists and remains one of the only grants available for comics creators today. Prism will kick off the submission process for the 2010 Queer Press Grant at Comic-Con. Moderator Roger Klorese (Prism Comic's Publications Chair) and past recipients Justin Hall (Glamazonia the Uncanny Super Tranny), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), and Eric Orner (The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green) as they discuss applying for the grant, what they've been up to since winning it, and what's next for both their comics and the grant in 2010.

Now in its third decade at Comic-Con, the long-running "Gays in Comics" panel presents an all-star look at the diversity in the comics world today. The mainstream companies DC and Marvel are both front-lining gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar, as well as top-level gay or gay-friendly creators. And smaller independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. This top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come!

• Surprise guest Bill WIllingham (Fables, JSA), was only able to attend first 15 minutes of panel.

X Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (announced, but did not make it)

Gays in Comics Mixer

Saturday, July 25  7:30-8:30  Room 6A

Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers invites you to mingle with comics fans and creators. Plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and bid on some hot comics items! Room 6A

LGBT issues have taken a central place in the cultural zeitgeist. How has this issue been illustrated in comics? This year, two lesbian charactersBatwoman and The Questionbecame co-leads of DC Comics' namesake title, Detective Comics. What is the long-term significance of this? Does it reflect greater acceptance of LGBT characters in comics, or is this an isolated event? Have we reached a tipping point? Patty Jeres (Prism co-president) moderates this intriguing discussion with panelists Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), Judd Winick (Pedro and Me), Jose Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love), Scott Allie (Buffy Season 8), Mimi Cruz (retailer, Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City, UT), and Matt Wagner (The Aerialist).

True Confessions: LGBT Slice-of-Life Comics

Friday, July 24  11:30-12:30  Room 10

Demonstrated by the success of Alison Bechdel's acclaimed Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, LGBT autobiographical comics have come of age. But telling the truth is as much art and craft as it is confession. Join moderator Roger Klorese (Prism's Publication Chair) as he leads a slice-of-life discussion with panelists Lee Marrs (The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp), Ariel Schrag (Likewise), Jeff Krell (Jayson Goes to Hollywood), Robert Triptow (Gay Comix), and Justin Hall (True Travel Tales).

Love is in the Air: LGBT Romance Comics

Saturday, July 25  4:30-5:30  Room 30AB

Romance comics, once a staple of the comics industry but now considered campy curiosities, have inspired a new generation that has created their own take on matters of the heart while moving beyond the boy-girl soap operas of yesteryear. Moderator Charles "Zan" Christensen (Mark of Aeacus) and panelists Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Tim Fish (Cavalcade of Boys), Mari Morimoto (manga translator of Naruto), Colleen Coover (X-Men: First Class), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), and Michelle Nolan (Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics) discuss the new LGBT romance comics.

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2008  YEAR 21

Gays in Comics Panel: 21 and Legal!

Saturday, July 26  5:45-7:15  Room 6A

Starting its third decade at Comic-Con, the long-running "Gays in Comics" panel takes a thrilling look at the diversity in the comics world today. With DC Comics leading the charge with the lesbian Question and Batwoman, the shadowy Obsidian, and Wildstorm's Apollo and Midnighter, where will they go next in the realm of superhero comics? And when will other companies substantially move forward to represent gay characters? Meanwhile, independent publishers and creators are building their own worlds that spotlight gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters, pleasing the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. This all-star panel of GLBT creators (and one straight one) offer startling insights and glimpses of surprises to come!

• Surprise guest Wendy Pini, creator of ElfQuest and Masque of Red Death

• Surprise guest Michelle Nolan, writer of Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics

Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction

Saturday, July 26  7:15-8:15  Room 6A

Hosted by Prism Comics. Mingle with LGBT comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items including The DC Encyclopedia signed by Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) and a host of DC creators; a 13" DC Collector's Flash figure signed by TV's Flash, John Wesley Shipp and the complete Flash series on DVD; a specially-signed book from Neil Gaiman; a Superman Returns poster signed by Brandon Routh; Heroes autographed memorabilia; and more!

With the increased number of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) characters in both mainstream and indie comics today, it's time to examine how they're faring. Has this increased presence meant better and more complex portrayals, or is there more to be explored? Has the call for "positive" portrayals been beneficial, or has it left LGBT characters one-dimensional? And what can we expect in the future? Join moderator Patricia Jeres (Prism board member and talent and industry relations chair) and panelists Perry Moore (author of Hero, winner of the Lambda Literary Award; executive producer of Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia series), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Wonder Woman), Judd Winick (Green Arrow and Black Canary), Axel Alonso (editor fo X-Men), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), and Bob Schreck (group editor, DC Comics) for this insightful discussion. And you won’t want to miss our super-special surprise guest and his major announcement!

Two decades of “Gays in Comics” is celebrated at its birthplace: Comic-Con! From DC's diverse roster that includes a lesbian Question and Batwoman and a gay Pied Piper and Midnighter to Marvel's Moondragon and Quasar or Hulkling and Wicca, super-hero comics have come a long way in representing gay characters. With Yaoi also exploding in the marketplace, the bravura graphic novel Fun Home winning awards worldwide, and TV shows such as Heroes tapping into the comic book closet, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters and fans are finally being represented. An all-star panel of GLBT creators (and a straight one) will offer startling insight and glimpses of surprises to come!

• Special Introduction by Roger Klorese, the president of PRISM Comics and longtime comic and internet trailblazer

Here’s your chance to mingle with other LGBT and open-minded fans and creators and bid on some fantastic auction items including rare Ambiguously Gay Duo items from Van Eaton Galleries, Lynda Carter statues from DC Direct, and She-Ra and TheSecrets of Isis DVDs from BCI Eclipse. Plus, some special guest cast members from The Secrets of Isis will appear! Hosted by Prism Comics.

With the astonishing breakthrough of Alison Bechdel’s award-winning Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, Phil Jimenez’s run as lead artist on Infinite Crisis, and Allen Heinberg’s big splash into comics with Young Avengers and Wonder Woman, LGBT creators have shown themselves to be a major force within the comics world. Prism Comics, a nonprofit organization that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) comics, creators, and readers, not only champions these comics superstars but actively encourages, promotes, and develops tomorrow’s stars as well. Come and meet these up-and-coming LGBT comics creators!

• Terrance Griep moderator (openly gay pro wrestler known as “SpiderBaby” and comic book writer of Scooby-Doo and Judo Girl)

From Young Avengers to Batwoman, Freedom Ring to Tough Love, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) characters are popping up more in mainstream comics, and LGBT creators are writing, drawing, or self-publishing more than ever. At its near-two-decade mark, the annual Gays in Comics panel takes the pulse of queer comicdom, showcasing some groundbreaking creators and their insights.

Here’s your chance to mingle with other LGBT and open-minded fans and creators and win fabulous prizes (no one leaves empty-handed)! There will also be a live auction for items such as a movie poster from The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green signed by the entire cast! Hosted by Prism Comics.

Meet the all-volunteer force behind the comics industry's only nonprofit organization supporting LGBT creators, stories, and readers, and learn how you can join in. Prism's accomplishments, activities, and upcoming plans will be discussed by the organization's officers and committee chairs, as well as members of its advisory board.

With more material being published involving LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) characters and issues, audiences and retailers need strategies for encouraging and supporting diversity while providing an environment in which the only surprises are the twists in the plot. Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting LGBT creators, themes, and issues in comics, offers its services in this area to the broader constituencies of the comics community. This discussion focuses greatly on the retail community, addressing the topic of how to get more LGBT-friendly books in your store and how Prism can help you sell them. This panel is the beginning of what is intended to be an ongoing dialogue, with the participation of experts from every aspect of the industry, in order to establish action plans in the quest for greater diversity in content as well as in the customer base.

Sexual minority characters are popping up more in mainstream comics, and GLBT creators are writing, drawing, or self-publishing more than ever. Check in on the pulse of queer comicdom with this enduring panel, showcasing some fascinating creators and their insights.

While Marvel and DC catch up, the independent comic world has been celebrating diversity with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered comics for years. Now, listen in as creators new and old discuss the relevance of gay comic characters!

Here's your chance to socialize with other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or open-minded fans and creators! This party is sponsored by the Gay League and will include lots of fabulous fun, surprises, and dozens of comic and animation pros in attendance! Plus, a special Mirror of Love slide-show from Jose Villarrubia!

The popular no-holds-barred roundtable returns for its third "straight" year, moderated by Joan Hilty, DC editor and creator of the comic strip Bitter Girl. What issues of race/gender/sexuality are driving the hottest debates? What are the best and worst imprints for queer content in comics? Are we more or less marketable to the mainstream than ever? Get a fistful of opinions from this wide range of queer comic creators

• Joan Hilty (DC editor)

• Bob Schreck (DC editor)

• Paige Braddock (Jane's World)

• Marc Andreyko (Manhunter)

• Tristan Crane (How Loathsome)

• Terrance Griep (Scooby-Doo)

• Phil Jimenez (New X-Men)

X Andersen Gabrych (announced, but did not make it)

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2003  YEAR 16

Gays in Comics: Sweet 16th Panel & Reception and Party

Saturday, July 19  5:307:00 Room 16AB

Both Marvel and DC have been featuring gay characters and storylines with increasing frequency. So where are the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered comics in the rest of the field? And what do the Big Two have planned for the future?

• Andy Mangels, founding moderator and writer (Dragon's Lair)

• Stephen Sadowski (Avengers, JSA)

• Tristan Crane (How Loathsome)

• Greg Sanchez (novelist Rainbow Arc of Fire)

• Joe Palmer (Prism Comics, GayLeague.com)

• Paige Braddock (Jane's World)

• Michael Lark (Gotham Central)

Gay Comic Fan Reception & Party

Saturday, July 19  7:00-8:00  Room 16AB

Your chance to socialize with other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or open-minded fans and creators! This party is sponsored by the Gay League and will include lots of fabulous fun, surprises, video entertainment, and dozens of comic and animation pros in attendance!

Prism Comics zine #1

This year's new book - now published by the newly-formed PRISM Comics - was published as 52-page digest, and was worked on by a variety of people at Prism. The covers were by Elizabeth Watasin and Phil Jimenez, with colors by Jose Villarrubia!

As gay characters/themes become more prevalent in comics today, how do creators make them more well-rounded? Can comics move beyond either hyperviolent or moralistic nonsexual characters? Will the industry want to? A feisty panel.

• Joan Hilty (DC editor)

• Phil Jimenez (New X-Men)

• Jose Villarrubia (Alan Moore's Mirror of Love)

• Denise Sudell (Sequential Tart)

• Marc Andreyko (Sam & Twitch)

• Robert Rodi (Elektra)

• Jai Sen (Shoto Press). Room 16AB

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2002  YEAR 15

Gays In Comics: Year 15 and Still Coming Out!

Saturday, August 3  5:00-6:30  room 16A/B

Celebrating 15 years at the Con, this popular panel has also been given a Friday night prequel! This year's Saturday eve round of cutting-edge gay, lesbian, bisexual, and even straight creators and publishers will cover all the bases. From publishing to writing to art to fandom. . . gays in the comic world are coming out strong!

Here's your chance to socialize with other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or open-minded fans and creators! This party is sponsored by the Gay League, and will include lots of fabulous door prizes, games, some truly fun video entertainment, and dozens of comic and animation pros in attendance!

Out In Comics zine #4

This year's magazine - published as an actual 48-page comic book - was worked on by Andy Mangels, Kyle Minor, Joe Palmer, Jai Sen, and Charles "zan" Christensen, with help from Dwayne Best, Terrance Griep, John Sauer, and John Jenkins. The cover was a jam piece by Chris Taylor, Stephen Sadowski, Elizabeth Watasin, Phil Jimenez, Roberta Gregory, Brad Rader, Eric Shanower, Patrick Fillion, Joe Phillips, and Howard Cruse, with colors by Jose Villarrubia!

A prequel to the 15th annual Gays in Comics panel that spins off a hot topic from last year's GiC panel raised by DC editor Joan Hilty (who, although not attending Comicon, organized this panel and will co-host it in spirit). Is there such a thing as a "gay sensibility"? If so, how does it manifest itself in our stories, art, and fandom? In a true roundtable discussion staged talk-show-style, Sequential Tart's Denise Sudell splits the question into different aspects and lets six opinionated queer creators go at it!

This year's 36-page zine was written by Andy Mangels, edited by Kyle Minor and Dwayne Best, researched and planned by Joe Palmer, with a cover by Stephen Sadowski, designed by Charles "zan" Christensen, and printed by John Dawson.

This zine was founded and self-published by Andy Mangels in 1999, then worked on by Mangels and others following that period, before changing to the name to PRISM Comics with the founding of the Prism Comics group in 2003. The first year, it was self-published by Andy Mangels, at 16 pages, and each cover was hand-colored by Richard Scott.